IGNITE

Our Annual Fundraiser

Grief can feel isolating, but at Myra’s Kids Foundation, we believe in the power of connection, remembrance, and support. At our annual summer retreat, children take part in a deeply moving tradition - the Luminary Ceremony. One by one, each camper steps forward to share words in memory of their loved one, placing a glowing lantern on a floating dock. As the lanterns drift into the water, their soft flicker serves as a profound symbol: a light that never truly fades, a reminder that love endures, and a reflection of the shared journey of grief.

This is why we call our annual fundraiser IGNITE; because light is more than a symbol; it’s a source of strength. IGNITE is about sparking memories, illuminating hope, and ensuring that no grieving child walks alone. It’s a night dedicated to raising vital funds so that we can continue offering children the space, support, and community they need to heal.

A special highlight of IGNITE is the HUG (Helping Us Grieve) Award, which honours an individual who has made an extraordinary impact on Myra’s Kids Foundation. This award recognizes someone whose dedication has provided grieving children with the care, resources, and compassion they deserve.

Our Annual Fundraiser IGNITES hope, celebrates resilience, and honours the power of remembrance.

Together, we can ensure that every child facing loss finds the support they need to heal.

If you are interested in joining our IGNITE ‘26 Committee, please reach out, we’d love to have you join our team of volunteers!

Ignite ‘25

Your Support Lit Up the Night - Ignite Gala 2025

On May 21, 2025, over 450 guests gathered at La Nesra in the heart of Montreal for the 4th Annual Ignite Gala in support of Myra’s Kids Foundation. It was an unforgettable evening filled with moving stories, shared purpose, and community connection - all in support of grieving children and families.

The evening featured heartfelt remarks, a meaningful presentation of the 2025 HUG Award to Ann Zilberbrant, and an inspiring keynote by special guest Lynda Fishman, who travelled from Toronto to share her powerful message of resilience and healing. Guests enjoyed cocktails, a light dinner, a dessert bar, and an incredible silent auction and raffle, all while helping raise critical funds to support Myra’s Kids Foundation’s year-round programs.

This gathering reminded us that even in grief, there is hope - and that when we come together, we can help children find light in their darkest moments.

Thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, donors, committee members, and every guest who helped make the night so special.

Because of you, hope shines brighter.

2025 HUG Award Recipient

Ann Zilberbrant

Ann Zilberbrant has spent over 20 years uplifting the Montreal community through her work as an Occupational Therapist, co-owner of AccessAbilities Therapy Clinic, and as a lecturer at CÉGEP and McGill University. She is also a dedicated volunteer with several local organizations.

Ann’s most meaningful role, however, is being a mother to her three children—Haylie, Tyler, and Allysen. After losing her husband Lyle to colon cancer in 2018, Ann faced unimaginable grief with courage and grace, determined to guide her children through their healing journey. She has since offered support to other grieving parents, reminding them they are not alone.

For the past five years, Ann and her children have been active members of Myra’s Kids Foundation. As a parent ambassador and advocate, Ann shares her story to help others find strength in the face of loss.

2025 Committee

Elayne Baron, Casey Cooper, Rhea Dichter, Ashley Frankel, Gwenn Garonce, Jessica Gottlieb, Jaimee Kravitz, Joanne Marco, Gayle Munk, Janet Phiri, Stu Reider, Ellen Reider, Hallie Sheftman, Sari Shapiro, Leslie Spector, Meghan Weinstein, Julie Wiener, Roslyn Wiener & Ann Zilberbrant

Ignite ‘24

2024 HUG Award Recipient

Roz Wiener has been a dedicated volunteer in the Montreal Community for over 40 years. In her professional life, she was the first Executive Director of the Starlight Foundation Canada and following that became Executive Director of Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. Over the past 16 years, in her retirement, she became an active member of the Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors where she proudly served as President of the Centre and then followed that by serving as Co-President of the Cummings Centre Foundation.

Roz has been a supporter of Myra’s Kids Foundation since its inception and a Board member for the past 8 years. She has helped to ensure that children grieving the loss of a family member received the support they needed, however possible. The 2024 HUG Award will be presented to Roz in recognition of her incredible dedication, heartfelt compassion and unwavering support for grieving children.

Ignite ‘23

2023 HUG Award Recipient

Dr. Mike (as he is known to all at Myra’s Kids) is a renowned Rheumatologist and incredibly caring and devoted individual. Dr. Mike has been a part of Myra’s Kids since our founding 7 years ago. He is a member of our Board of Directors, our resident expert on all things medical and most importantly, he initiated our “Ask the Doctor” session for our campers at our summer weekend retreat. Myra’s Kids was extremely honoured to present the 2023 HUG Award to Dr. Michael Starr.